Video interview questions: The ultimate guide to the hiring process for modern recruiters

Technological evolution and external factors have paved the way for transformative changes in how organizations conduct interviews, giving rise to online interviews. While many organizations were initially forced to switch to virtual interviews, the convenience, flexibility, and accessibility offered by video interviews have made the switch permanent for most companies.

Live and pre-recorded video interviews are two approaches organizations use to administer job interviews. While both are video-based interactions, they differ significantly from each other.

Live video interviews involve real-time interaction with an interviewer or a panel of interviewers and the interviewee. Participants connect remotely through a video interview or a conferencing platform, allowing them to communicate seamlessly.

Pre-recorded interviews, on the other hand, involve candidates recording their responses to predetermined questions. Unlike live video interviews, pre-recorded ones don’t require the simultaneous participation of the interviewer. Candidates are given a timeframe within which they have to record and submit their responses to the questions. The recorded responses are then later reviewed by the hiring team.

When conducting a pre-recorded video interview, asking questions that allow candidates to showcase their qualifications, skills, and cultural fit is crucial. Here are some questions organizations must consider for a pre-recorded video interview:

General questions

• Please introduce yourself briefly, highlighting your vital professional experiences and skills.
• What motivated you to apply for this specific position at our company?

Job-specific questions

• How does this role align with your career goals and aspirations?
• How have your past roles prepared you for the challenges of this position?
• Can you discuss your proficiency in specific tools or technologies relevant to the position?
• How do you stay updated on industry trends and incorporate new technologies into your work?

Behavioral questions

• Share an example of a complex problem you’ve encountered at work and how you approached solving it.
• How do you navigate challenges and find solutions in your professional life?

Problem-solving and decision-making

• Discuss a successful collaboration experience with a team. What was your role, and how did you contribute to the team’s success?
• Share an example of a project or task where you took the initiative or demonstrated leadership skills.

Adaptability and teamwork

• Describe a situation where you had to adapt to changes in a work environment or project. How did you handle it?
• How do you approach working with diverse teams and individuals?

Closing questions

• Why do you believe you are the ideal candidate for this role?

The pre-recorded video interview questions and answers will allow the candidate to provide an overview of their educational background and work experience while allowing the hiring team to assess their communication skills, leadership qualities, etc.

When conducting a live interview, it’s crucial to ask questions that provide valuable insights into the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role. Here are some commonly used and effective video questionnaires:

General questions

• Please tell us a little about yourself.
• What initially attracted you to this position and our company?
• How did you hear about the job opening?
• What motivated you to apply for this role?
• Where do you see yourself in your career in the next 3-5 years?
• What aspects of this role align with your long-term career goals?

Job-specific questions

• Can you elaborate on your experience with [specific skill or technology relevant to the position]?
• How do your previous experiences prepare you for the responsibilities of this position?
• How do you stay updated on industry trends and advancements?

Behavioral questions

• Describe a specific situation where you faced a challenge at work and how you resolved it.
• What motivates you to excel in your professional endeavors?

Problem-solving and decision-making

• Can you provide an example of a time when you demonstrated leadership or initiative?
• Can you share an example of a project where you had to overcome unexpected obstacles?

Adaptability and teamwork

• How do you ensure effective communication within a team?
• Describe your experience working in a cross-functional team.
• Describe a situation where you needed to learn a new skill or technology on the job.

Closing questions

• Is there anything else you would like to share or highlight about yourself?
• What questions do you have for us about the company or the role?

Live video questions can be amended or changed according to how the interview is going. Tailoring questions will help HRs to gather meaningful information about the candidate’s fit for the role. Additionally, providing opportunities for candidates to ask questions allows for a more interactive and informative interview process.

Conducting online interviews successfully, both live and recorded, requires careful planning and execution. Here are some tips for organizations to conduct successful virtual interviews:

Use reliable technology:

• Choose a reliable video conferencing platform widely used and known for its stability.
• Ensure that interviewers and candidates have the necessary software installed and are familiar with the platform.

Test technology in advance:

• Conduct technology checks before the interview to identify and resolve any issues.
• Verify audio, video, and internet connectivity to minimize disruptions during the actual interview.

Provide clear instructions:

• Communicate the interview format, time, and technical requirements to the candidates.
• Include instructions for accessing the virtual meeting, testing equipment, and troubleshooting common issues.

Create a professional environment:

• Encourage candidates to choose a quiet and well-lit space for the interview.
• Remind them to dress professionally and eliminate potential distractions.

Train interviewers:

• Provide training for interviewers on best practices for virtual interviewing.
• Familiarize them with the technology and any specific features of the platform being used.

Use structured interviews:

• Develop a standardized set of questions to ensure consistency across candidates.
• Have a clear evaluation criterion to assess candidate responses objectively.

Maintain engagement:

• Keep the interview engaging by maintaining eye contact, expressing interest, and using appropriate body language.
• Allow candidates to ask questions and address any concerns they may have about the virtual format.

Follow up with feedback:

• Provide timely and constructive feedback to candidates.

Organizations can easily undertake video interviews for talent acquisition using a video interview platform. Companies looking to administer online interviews seamlessly can do so with Mercer | Mettl.

Mercer | Mettl Interviews allows HR managers to conduct hassle-free structured remote interviews while offering unmatched experience to their candidates. This innovative solution brings a new standard of efficiency, convenience, and insight to talent processes. With Mercer | Mettl Video Interviews, organizations can eliminate hiring inefficiencies, allowing their talent teams to make strategic, data-driven decisions supported by insightful reports.

Key features:

• Improved collaboration: Video Interviews facilitate seamless collaboration among talent teams. Multiple interviewers can engage in the process, offering diverse perspectives and ensuring a thorough evaluation of candidates.
• Seamless live coding interviews: Our tool includes a Code Editor supporting 70+ languages with code compile and run capabilities. It also enables smooth pair programming through an integrated coding simulator. HR managers can validate code authenticity using the platform’s compilation and run features.
• Enhanced assessment capabilities: Integrated tools allow the creation of diagrams and flowcharts, enabling HR managers to evaluate candidates’ ability to articulate ideas and assess their original thinking. This functionality is valuable for leadership development and succession planning.

While the shift to online interviews comes with unique challenges, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Online discussions not only break down geographical barriers, but also facilitate cost and time savings, making the hiring process more efficient and streamlined.